It’s release day, and the blog tour is in full swing. I’ll posts the links I have below, but first a little about the book.
Here is the cover.
the blurb.
Thanks to their large extended family and unconventional courtship, The Worthingtons have seen their share of scandal and excitement. But nothing has prepared them for this…
The Dowager Lady Worthington isn’t quite sure what to make of country-girl Dorothea Stern. As the granddaughter of the Duke of Bristol, Dotty is schooled in the ways and means of the nobility. But her sharp wit and outspoken nature has everyone in a tizzy. Especially their cousin, Dominic, the Marquis of Merton.
Prematurely stuffy, Dom was raised by his cheerless uncle to be wary of a host of things, including innovation, waltzing, and most perilous of all: true love. Still, there’s something about Dotty, beyond her beauty, that Dom cannot resist. But the odds are against him if he intends to win her as his bride. Will he choose loyalty to his family—or risk everything for the one woman he believes is his perfect match…
And an excerpt.
Two hours later, Sir Henry Stern frowned at the letter in his hand as he ambled into his wife’s parlor. “This is from Lord Worthington. I suppose you have one from Grace.”
Lady Stern smiled. She loved her husband dearly, but there were times his self-sufficiency went too far. She had no intention of allowing him to spoil Dotty’s Season. “I do indeed. I do not think I have ever been so pleased for Dorothea. She and Charlotte have dreamed of their come out for years, and all the new gowns we bought for her . . . Well, I would hate for them to go to waste.”
Her husband appeared unconvinced. “Worthington promises to take care of Dotty as he would his sister Lady Louisa and Charlotte”—his scowl deepened—“but, Cordelia, we would be entrusting her to his care. In London. And we do not know him that well.”
“Henry”—Cordelia used her most patient tone—“we know Grace, and Worthington was perfectly amiable when she invited us to Stanwood Hall to dine during the few days they were here. He has a good reputation. Nothing smoky about him at all, as Harry would say.” Her husband’s lips folded together, and Cordelia rushed on. “Besides, Grace would not have trusted him with her brothers and sisters if he were not a good man.”
“But looking after three young ladies?”
She almost laughed at the look of horror on his face.
“You forget Jane Carpenter, Grace’s cousin, is still with them, and the Dowager Lady Worthington as well. The girls will be well chaperoned, and Grace commented on Dotty’s good sense.”
“Yes, well.” He glanced at the missive and drew his brows together so that they touched. “As the Season is well under way, Lord Worthington asks for an immediate reply. I suppose I should write to him.”
Cordelia smiled again. “Does that mean you’ll allow Dorothea to go?”
A bit of humor entered her husband’s eyes. “I know you, my love. If I say no, I will never hear the end of it. You are every bit as determined as your mother. How do you propose Dotty make the journey?”
“You cannot complain about that, my dear. If we were not strong-willed, you and I would never have been allowed to marry.”Cordelia struggled to keep the triumph out of her voice. It was fortunate that the Sterns had been friends with the Carpenters for generations. “I shall make all the arrangements.”
“Very well, then. I know you’ll send Dotty off as soon as possible. I do want a word with her.”
“Of course, my love.” Cordelia tugged the bell pull and called for her daughter.
Dotty’s steps faltered as she entered Papa’s study. Her stomach lurched as she took in his grim countenance. He was not going to allow her to go to Town. She may as well make the best of it. Getting into a state would not help. She took a breath and readied herself for the bad news. “Yes?”
“Your father wishes to speak to you.” She whipped her head around, seeing her mother lying on a sofa. This must be important if Mama had had herself moved.
Papa came around from behind his desk and took Dotty by her shoulders. “You may join Charlotte for your Season. However, you know my feelings about this. You are still young, and there is no reason you must marry anytime soon.”
She kept her face as serious as her father’s. “I know, Papa.”
He cleared his throat. “If a young man is interested in you, have him apply to Lord Worthington first. He will know best if the gentleman is suitable.”
Dotty nodded. Relief and excitement rushed through her. Yet her father wasn’t done yet. She waited for him to continue.
“With the number of inhabitants already in Worthington’s household, and the dogs, you must promise me not to bring stray animals or people to Stanwood House. They won’t appreciate it.”
“I promise, Papa.”
“Now, I must make sure the coach is ready.”
As soon as her father closed the door, she gave a little shriek and hugged her mother. “Oh, Mama! Thank you so much. I shall never be able to repay you.”
She patted Dotty’s cheek. “Yes, you will, by having fun. Though mind what your father said. With all those children and two Great Danes, the Worthingtons do not need three-legged dogs or half-blind cats, not to mention homeless children.”
“Yes, Mama. I’ll do my best.” Dotty grinned.
Everyone loved Scruffy. The cat was the best mouser they ever had, and Benjy was turning into a fine groom. People and animals only needed a chance in life. Nevertheless, her parents had a point. Bringing strays home to Stern Manor was one thing, taking them to someone else’s house quite another matter altogether. Dotty said a quick prayer that she would not meet anyone in need of help.
In addition to the Goddess Fish Blast I told you about yesterday, the following blog sites will be giving away signed copies of When a Marquis Chooses a Bride. I’ll post the links that I have.
Buried Under Romance 8/24/2016 – http://bit.ly/2c7NxWI
Blog Date Mary Gramlich 8/30/2016 – http://bit.ly/2bP0low
Jeanne St. James Blog 8/30/2016 – http://bit.ly/2c23TAW
RomCon 8/30/2016 – http://bit.ly/2bxGevO
Romance Divas 8/30/2016 – http://bit.ly/2bG2GP7
Cynthia Woolf 8/30/2016 – http://cynthiawoolf.com/?p=6431
Shelley K Wall 8/30/2016 – http://bit.ly/2cos14e
Romantic Reads 8/30/2016 –
Novels Alive 8/30/2016 – http://bit.ly/2c5kuTq
Manic Readers 8/31/2016
Fresh Fiction 8/31/2016
Readers Entertainment 8/31/2016
Heroes & Heartbreakers 8/31/2016
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